By Staff, October 2014 For the past 25 years Ruach Hamidbar-Spirit of the Desert, the Valley’s Renewal congregation, has built a large community sukkah filled with tapestries, glittery fabrics and thousands of lights. It takes a few weeks to design and execute and is set up in Rabbi Sarah Leah Grafstein ‘s large back yard…
By Lee Allen, October 2014 From dives of danger to flights of fright, Mary Peachin is no shrinking violet. “I live each day to the fullest – right to the limit,” says the gray-haired grandmother with the self-proclaimed sobriquet “Adrenaline Junkie.” “I don’t know where that comes from,” says the 73-year-old, who divides her at-home…
By Joni Browne-Walders, October 2014 It’s often said that volunteers are the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations. “Our organization couldn’t run without volunteers,” admits Carol Bowers, volunteer services coordinator at Neighbors Who Care. “We appreciate every day, every dollar, every hour given.” NWC, a 20-year-old, nonprofit agency and winner of a 2012 Piper Trust Encore Prize…
By Debra Rich Gettleman, October 2014 The bid is $36 … do I hear $37? There’s $72 from the Gold- blums in Cave Creek … and yes, $180 from the Stein family … do I hear more? Ladies and gentlemen, I have $360 from the Izenstarks in Peoria … going once, going twice, sold for…
By Staff, October 2014 The 2014 annual Mitzvahs & More Expo was held Aug. 24 at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort and Villas. More than 400 attendees strolled among 50 unique event professionals exhibiting such varied party planning services as catering, specialty desserts, table top decor, DJ’s, live entertainment, fashion, flowers, invitations, jewelry, linen, personalized party…
By Janet Arnold, October 2014 It’s been nearly 10 years since Rhonda Ross came up with the idea. She had been to many parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, etc., and realized that “at the end of the day, it’s all a blur.” Enter PictureThisAZ. “We started in 2005 with one photo booth,” she explains. Rhonda…
By Deborah Moon, October 2014 You’ve spent years learning the alef bet, months studying your Torah portion and countless hours completing your mitzvah project … you’ve earned the right to celebrate! For many freshly minted Jewish “adults,” that means a glamorous party full of glitz and glitter. Others want another shot at a favorite activity…
By Janet Arnold, October 2014 While those of us in the Valley and southern Arizona were lamenting the heat and preparing for monsoons, up in the cool climes of Flagstaff a joyous event was taking place. On Aug. 15 Greer Harrison Hanson was celebrating becoming a bat mitzvah through Chabad of Flagstaff. Making the day…
By Deborah Moon, October 2014 When I don’t sleep, I get cranky, irritable and downright irrational. Unfortunately for my family, that happens more often than I’d like to admit. Impulsive behavior, difficulty focusing and emotional reactivity in an adult aren’t likely to trigger an immediate trip to the doctor, resulting in a prescription to treat…
By Janet Arnold, October 2014 The Musical Instrument Museum’s inaugural global music festival, MIMFest, is being held Oct. 18 and 19 at the popular museum in northeast Phoenix. Hours are 10 am-5 pm both days. MIMFest is a two-day music festival set against the backdrop of the stunning Arizona desert and inspired by MIM’s commitment…
